Any attribute that can experience change or can vary over time
Research variables
Commonly form the focus within quantitative studies
Researchers are interested in how one variable impacts another variable and to what extent
Independent variable
The cause
Dependent variable
The effect or the thing that experiences the effect
Independent variables
Also called explanatory variables or predictive variables
Dependent variables
Also called response variables or outcome variables
Control variable
A variable that is intentionally held constant by the researcher to ensure that it doesn't have any influence on the other variables
To confidently establish a causal relationship between an independent and a dependent variable, you'll need an experimental research design with complete or near complete control over both the environment and all of the variables</b>
Moderating variable
Influences the strength or direction of the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable
Mediating variable
Used to explain the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable
Confounding variable
Also known as a third variable or a lurking variable, it is an extraneous factor that can influence the relationship between two variables of interest
Confounding variables can lead to drawing incorrect conclusions, so it's important to identify and control for as many of them as possible when conducting research
